6 Fail-Safe Tips to Move Fragile Furniture

Moving large, fragile furniture can be one of the greatest challenges when it comes to relocation. Due to the heavy weight of such fixtures, it’s easy to overlook that they can also be delicate and susceptible to damage.

That is why moving day has to always be planned and never taken for granted. There are many things that could possibly go wrong, and ruining your expensive furniture is among the worst that could happen.

To ensure that your beloved furniture arrives at the destination in one piece, here’s what you can do:

1. Don’t force it

If you’re struggling to fit your couch through the doorway, don’t force it. You may still be able to push harder but that will probably cause damages like broken handles and torn-up fabric. It may be a better idea to take the door off its hinges or remove the glass from a large window to make space for your furniture exit.

2. Use sliders

Pushing heavy furniture is easier than carrying it up. As much as possible, use sliders so that you can move your furniture around with ease. Plastic furniture sliders are available in most hardware stores but make sure to choose the largest one you can find to spread out the load.

For the efficient use of sliders, consider the following:

Dry mop and sweep the floor prior to moving the furniture to remove any grit that may scratch the floor.

Use old blankets as a base for your furniture.

Make sure sliders are new and no grit is stuck to them.

3. Carry high and low

Furniture should be carried carefully without dropping. Carry furniture items high and low by tipping them backwards at an angle. One mover or removalist should carry the top while the other carries the bottom of the furniture.

Whether it’s a filing cabinet, dresser, or couch, moving at a diagonal angle will help balance the furniture and make the trip down the stairs much easier.

4. Wrap for protection

Wrapping your furniture prior to the move is crucial as it’s quite easy for surfaces to get scratched during transport. Make sure your wrapping tools are waterproof in cases where your furniture might be moving outside in the rain.

Another important thing to consider is to cushion your furniture especially the corners of wooden fixtures. You can do this by using soft items like quilts, pillows, and Styrofoam. This way, you can avoid scratching off the paint or finish when you rest your furniture on the ground.

Secure doors and drawers

This is another great reason to wrap furniture as doing so will keep everything properly secured. For instance, you can ensure that no door and drawer will swing open and slide out when the moving van heads around a corner.

5. Disassemble furniture

Disassembling is a preferable option if you have the time and know how to take apart your furniture before the move. You can completely take apart flat pack items then place them in their original boxes for better protection. You may also choose to remove doors and drawers completely to ensure that they remain intact during the move.

When disassembling furniture pieces, make sure all screws and other small parts are in a safe place that is clearly labeled and where they won’t go missing.

6. Contact a professional removalist

Moving furniture is not something that you can do alone.

Hire a local furniture removalist to handle the job and ensure that your furniture will survive the move without any damage. Leave the heavy lifting to the experts so that you don’t end up with sore muscles during your relocation.

Professional furniture removalists will take all the precautions necessary while applying industry experience for an efficient move.

They know how to properly remove furniture from your house then place them inside the moving van, so you can guarantee your furniture’s safety. Hiring a removalist is the best way to avoid snapping, scratching or tearing parts or items while moving furniture.

Preparation is key

If you want to save yourself from any heartaches and unexpected expenses throughout the move, take into account the tips above, and prepare well ahead of time.

To prevent removalists from tripping over while carrying heavy items, make sure to declutter in advance. Get a cleaning service so that you can focus more on packing your items and ensure everything is set in your new place.

AUTHOR BIO

Craig Jones is the Managing Director at Aussiemove, Australia’s largest independent moving alliance. Craig is a respected member of the removalist network in Australia, having served in senior positions, including the President of the removal industries governing body, the Australian Furniture Removals Association (AFRA). With 23 years of experience at Aussiemove, he has the skills and the highly trained team to move families safely and reliably, in Adelaide, across Australia and around the world.